Brandy's Baby Shower

Lynn, Brandy, Me, Linda (my former boss)

Linda, Lynn and Me

Brandy, Me and Michelle

Brandy, the expectant mom

In 1998 I took a job in Eugene, Oregon as a Tax Fraud Investigative Asst in the CI division of the IRS. I was terrified because I didn't know a soul, hadn't met any of my co-workers, and didn't know much about the town or the job I was going to. It was the first time I would really be on my own. It was the scariest and most exciting thing I've ever done in my life and I never regretted it for one second. I can honestly say it was the best thing I have ever done for myself. The job was interesting and fascinating and I learned a lot, and being five hours away from my closest relative, my co-workers became my second family. 11 years later, and seven years after having left CI for life as a military wife, I am still in touch and very close with those people who embraced me the day I walked into the office and treated me like part of the family. They mean more to me than I will ever be able to express. This past weekend, I made a trip down to Eugene to attend a baby shower for my friend and former co-worker, Brandy. I was a bridesmaid in her wedding in 2004, we had our first babies the same year and now she's having her second baby girl in April. As always, it's like time has never passed. I love going to Eugene because it reminds of that special time in my life and it is always a blast when we can all see each other again.